Trump targets college accreditation with another authoritarian executive order

President Donald Trump has taken action on his campaign promise to use the college accreditation system against institutions that do not align with his MAGA ideology. He signed an executive order targeting the independent groups that establish standards for colleges and universities, enabling them to access federal funding. This move, a part of the Republican agenda to combat American universities, has been described by Vice President JD Vance as a battle against “the enemy.” Trump had previously referred to the accreditation system as the GOP’s “secret weapon” to take back educational institutions from the left. The administration is now moving forward with these plans, which may face legal challenges. The executive order allows for punishment of accreditation organizations if they mandate participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, falsely labeled as “unlawful discrimination.” Additionally, the order aims to facilitate the process for schools to switch accrediting bodies to avoid complying with standards conflicting with their values. The order also emphasizes promoting intellectual diversity among faculty, a move criticized as an attempt to impose ideological requirements on universities. This executive order is seen as an effort to control thoughts by the highest office in the U.S., with potential hidden motives behind it.